Putin's nuclear comments lead to rush for iodine in Central Europe

FILE PHOTO: Iodine pills are seen in a classroom in Fessenheim during a nuclear accident drill near France's oldest nuclear power station, June 12, 2018. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler/File Photo

PRAGUE/WARSAW (Reuters) - Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Vladimir Putin's comments that Moscow's nuclear deterrent is on high alert have unleashed a wave of anxiety in Central Europe, with people rushing to buy iodine which they believe may protect them from radiation.

From Poland to Bulgaria, people living in the former Soviet-era satellite states have also jammed passport offices, topped up their fuel tanks and prepared to leave at a moment's notice.